William R. Higgins
Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010 — Buried deep in Governor Brad Henry’s 298 page budget proposal is a recommendation that 16 state agencies be consolidated with other state agencies.
Unfortunately, included in the consolidation proposal is that the J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum be consolidated to the Oklahoma Historical Society. The consolidation would require that the J.M. Davis Memorial Commission, which is charged with management of the museum, be abolished and the museum be run from Oklahoma City under the direction of the Oklahoma Historical Society.
The proposal is ill-advised for many reasons, all of which should have been given consideration before being placed in a budget for a state that is in dire straits economically.
Before Governor Henry proposed the J.M. Davis Museum be consolidated under the Oklahoma Historical Society I believe he should have exercised due diligence and done or considered the following:
• Consulted with Senator Burrage and Representative Jones, both from Rogers County, and discussed the impact of the consolidation on the museum and allowed input from them. In my opinion, had he done that, this proposal would have never been made. The Governor would have realized there would be no cost saving, but an increase in operating expenses.
• Considered whether this proposal may result in a breach of the lease that the State of Oklahoma has with the J.M. Davis Foundation, the owner of the collection.
The Governor’s proposal could jeopardize the lease which could in turn jeopardize the museum’s existence.
• Assure the State’s Citizens that a consolidation would result in a savings. The museum is fortunate to have a dedicated staff that works tirelessly for the good of the museum and goes above and beyond what is expected of them.
Each employee handles many responsibilities and has willingly taken on more responsibility with the recent mandated budget cuts. It would be impossible to operate the museum with fewer employees so this would only mean that the museum would now be managed and overseen by Oklahoma City instead of the Commission. The museum is presently managed by a 5 person Commission who are all from Rogers and Tulsa County, who serve without pay and meet monthly or more frequently if needed.
How can there be a savings by adding paid State employees to manage the museum from 120 miles away?
• If the Governor’s proposal jeopardizes the lease and the museum’s existence, what is the potential impact from lost tourist dollars to the State if the museum ceases to exist?
Last year the museum had visitors from 44 foreign countries and all 50 states. These people all spend tourist dollars in Oklahoma and Rogers County.
• Realize that it may be a while before things turn around in Oklahoma, but if the museum is lost, it’s not coming back, nor are the tourists.
I appreciate the dire economic conditions that face our state and applaud Governor Henry for attempting to propose solutions for tough times but the solutions should result is a true savings, both now and in the future.
The Governor’s proposal to consolidate the J.M. Davis Museum with the Oklahoma City Agency does nothing but harm to the museum, our city, county and the State. Absolutely nothing good can come from the proposal.
No savings are realized and a world class museum is put in jeopardy.
I urge you to visit the museum, join the “Friends of the J.M. Davis Museum”, contact your legislator and Governor and tell them you oppose this consolidation and support the J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum.
n William R. Higgins is chair of the J. M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum Commission.
